Ask the U.S. Government to double down on diplomacy for Sudan and South SudanThe wars in both Sudan and South Sudan are escalating, and cross-border conflict connections between the two are deepening. Sudan is experiencing unprecedented levels of violence and clashes still persist in neighboring South Sudan, despite an agreement to “end the conflict.”

Ask Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power, and National Security Advisor Susan Rice to push the U.S. Government to increase our diplomatic capacity for Sudan and South Sudan.

Dear Secretary Kerry, Ambassador Power, and Ambassador Rice,

The wars in both Sudan and South Sudan are escalating, and cross-border conflict connections between the two are deepening. Sudan is experiencing unprecedented levels of violence: deadly fighting in Darfur now rivals the intensity that triggered global outrage in 2003-2005 and a relentless campaign of aerial bombardment and military attacks in South Kordofan and Blue Nile is in its third year. In neighboring South Sudan, despite an agreement to “end the conflict,” clashes persist and state collapse is still possible. Pockets of famine and genocidal targeting are threatening both countries and the intensifying conflicts are pulling in neighboring states.

These challenges require a much greater U.S. diplomatic effort than present capacities allow. The U.S. cannot positively influence outcomes in Sudan and South Sudan without significantly enhancing its efforts in the areas of accountability, diplomacy and peacemaking.

We believe the enormity of the crises in both countries requires another senior level official leading the specific efforts on Sudan, as well as the dispatch of expert diplomatic teams to the region to provide full-time support to the peace processes in both countries.

Secretary Kerry’s visit to the region was welcome and provided momentum toward peace talks, and that momentum was reinforced by Secretary General Ban’s trip. Unfortunately, the peace process in both countries has stalled since then. Continued and sustained high-level engagement from the United States and other international actors will be key to any future movement towards peace in both countries.